Ramadan a momentum for reconciliation: Muhammadiyah

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Fri, 08/14/2009 11:17 PM | National

One of the country’s mainstream Islamic organizations, Muhammadiyah, has called on Muslims to consider the upcoming Ramadan fasting month as a momentum of national reconciliation.

Muhammadiyah chairman Din Syamsuddin said the recent legislative and presidential elections had broken the hearts of many, leading to much conflict between groups and individuals, as well having dissected the nation by political affiliations.

“People were divided by difference in political aspirations and they might be involved in conflicts. Now the time has come to rebuild the brotherhood,” Din told a media conference.

He said Muhammadiyah encouraged Muslims and the whole nation to maintain solidarity and good relationships. To keep national unity intact the nation needs to promote tolerance, mutual help and cooperation, he added.

Muhammadiyah also calls on preachers and clerics to underline the need for national reconciliation in their sermons or talk shows during the fasting month.

Muhammadiyah has announced that Ramadan would start on Aug. 22. The government has not set its own date, which usually follows a deliberation of the country’s Muslim mainstream groups.

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